Revisiting Grand Theft Auto V (2013) – A Mission-by-Mission Retrospective

Introduction

Twelve years have passed since Grand Theft Auto V exploded onto the gaming scene. Launched in 2013 by Rockstar Games, it redefined open-world storytelling, introducing us to the interwoven lives of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. Now, with GTA VI on the horizon, it's the perfect time to revisit the game that set the bar so high. This retrospective breaks down each main mission, assesses how it holds up in 2025, and delivers a rating for every step of the journey.

Prologue

In snowy North Yankton, Michael Townley and Trevor Philips execute a bank heist. Things go south, leading to an ambush and faked death, setting up a dramatic fallout.
Rating: 8/10 – Atmospheric and cinematic, a strong narrative hook.

Franklin and Lamar

We meet Franklin Clinton and his brash partner Lamar Davis while they repo two luxury cars. It’s a fun introduction to Franklin’s character and driving skill.
Rating: 7/10 – Simple but effective start for Franklin’s arc.

Repossession

A gunfight erupts during a bike repossession mission. The gameplay escalates, showcasing shooting mechanics.
Rating: 7.5/10 – High energy with great pacing.

Complications

Franklin sneaks into a house to steal a car, unwittingly meeting Michael, who hides in the backseat. This encounter sparks the game’s trio dynamic.
Rating: 8.5/10 – Witty setup with lasting consequences.

Father/Son

Michael’s son Jimmy is kidnapped with a stolen yacht. Franklin and Michael rescue him in a thrilling highway chase.
Rating: 8/10 – Combines humor, family drama, and action.

Chop

Players control a Rottweiler to help track down a gang member. It introduces companion gameplay.
Rating: 6.5/10 – Innovative but a bit slow.

Marriage Counseling

Michael smashes a house belonging to his wife’s tennis coach. Turns out, it belongs to a cartel leader’s mistress.
Rating: 7.5/10 – Chaos leads to high stakes.

Daddy’s Little Girl

Michael humiliates his daughter at a beach party, then races jet skis back home.
Rating: 7/10 – Funny, shows family dysfunction.

Friend Request

Michael infiltrates a tech startup to plant spyware. It parodies Silicon Valley culture.
Rating: 8/10 – Smart satire, great mission design.

Casing the Jewel Store / The Jewel Store Job

Players scout and rob a high-end store, choosing stealth or guns-blazing. The first major heist reintroduces Michael to big crime.
Rating: 9/10 – Strategic depth with satisfying payoff.

Mr. Philips

Trevor’s introduction is unforgettable—he kills Johnny Klebitz, setting off a blood-soaked path.
Rating: 9.5/10 – Explosive and character-defining.

Trevor Philips Industries

Trevor asserts control in Blaine County, eradicating rival gangs.
Rating: 7.5/10 – Consolidates his empire with style.

Nervous Ron / Crystal Maze

Trevor destroys biker gangs and meth labs. These missions deepen his psychotic yet loyal personality.
Rating: 8/10 – Combines brutal action with dark humor.

Friends Reunited

Trevor discovers Michael is alive. The long drive to Los Santos is symbolic and ominous.
Rating: 9/10 – Pivotal moment in the story.

By the Book

A satire of CIA tactics, Michael and Trevor torture a man under FIB orders.
Rating: 6.5/10 – Controversial and disturbing.

The Merryweather Heist

The crew attempts to steal an experimental weapon from Merryweather Security.
Rating: 8.5/10 – High stakes and great teamwork.

Blitz Play

The trio pulls off an armored car robbery. Requires synchronized execution.
Rating: 8/10 – Tactical and thrilling.

Minor Turbulence

Trevor hijacks a cargo plane. Wildly cinematic.
Rating: 8/10 – Over-the-top fun.

Caida Libre

Trevor and Michael sabotage a jet mid-air to eliminate a target. The mission ends with a countryside chase.
Rating: 8.5/10 – Stylish and strategic.

Deep Inside

Michael steals a movie prop car using stealth. Fun Hollywood parody.
Rating: 7.5/10 – A change of pace.

Derailed

Trevor crashes a train to retrieve cargo. Combines land, water, and air elements.
Rating: 8.5/10 – Ambitious and well-executed.

Monkey Business

Government conspiracy kicks in as the crew infiltrates a research lab for a bio-weapon.
Rating: 7.5/10 – Parody with intense action.

The Bureau Raid (Fire Crew / Roof Entry)

Players plan and execute a heist at the FIB. The route affects difficulty and stealth.
Rating: 9/10 – Excellent example of planning meets execution.

The Big Score (Subtle / Obvious)

The final heist. Choose a strategic infiltration or a loud, multi-vehicle attack.
Rating: 9.5/10 – Ultimate test of coordination and creativity.

Finale: Something Sensible / The Time’s Come / The Third Way

Players choose to kill Trevor, kill Michael, or save both and wipe out all enemies. The Third Way is considered canon as it leads into GTA Online.
Rating: 9/10 – Gives players real emotional agency.

How It Holds Up in 2025

In a post-Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 world, GTA V still holds up due to its:

• Systems-driven world
• Rich NPC interactions
• Dynamic mission variety
• Timeless writing and satire

While newer games may have better graphics or broader maps, few match GTA V's integration of story, characters, and gameplay. The voice acting—particularly Steven Ogg’s Trevor—remains among gaming’s best.

Final Verdict

Average Mission Score: 8.2/10
Legacy Score: 9.5/10

Final Score: 9/10

GTA V is not just a great game of the past—it’s still a masterclass in world-building and narrative design. Bring on GTA VI.